Jewellery Organization

I found my jewellery storage, or lack thereof, overwhelming. I had stuff everywhere, and when pressed for time, I could not seem to locate things. I looked online for some ideas, and ended up picking up a fairly cheap shadow box ($20). We mounted the box to the back of the closet door, and I arranged all of the items I wanted to keep. The box was smaller, so I was limited to what I could keep. This method keeps everything organized, visible, and snag free!

Fall Walk

I know it isn't officially fall yet, but it sure does feel like it. Back to school, the leaves are falling, and the nights are cooler. I thought it was the perfect time for a fall craft. The girls and I went on a walk in the wild, wild forest today, and found lots of beautiful leaves. First we did some leaf imprints with crayons which always reminds me of when I was little . Then my daughter said she wanted to make a tree. So I drew the tree, and she glued all of the leaves on. Then, like the girl she is, asked for the glitter. She had a lot of fun.

Claire's First Birthday

For my first daughter's first birthday we had a big party, and I made her a tutu. For the second child, I decided a small affair would be better. I wanted to make it special though, so I decided to try a cake with fondant decorations. I have never in my life used or made fondant so this was a big undertaking. I am NOT a baker. I prefer cooking, as I have a hard time following directions. I think it turned out well though.

I used the recipe for marshmallow fondant. The only change I made was that I broke the recipe down into three parts and created three different colours. The fondant is very sticky, and it does take time to work it. I used coconut oil instead of butter for my hands. It worked out very well, and the kids loved the taste (of course)!
The cake was just a plain vanilla cake, but I made a strawberry mousse filling with this seasons strawberries. See recipie below. I also used a buttercream icing, as I think it tastes much better than fondant.

Strawberry Mousse

·         In a small saucepan sprinkle 1 ½ packets of plain unflavoured gelatin over ¼ cup of water. Let it soften – five minutes.

·     Puree fruit in food processor should have 2 cups of liquid.

·         Heat puree in saucepan. Add ¾ cup of sugar and let dissolve. Then add 2 tbps of liquer, and 2 tbsp lemon juice.

·         Heat the gelatin over low heat and add in puree until gelatin dissolves. Then chill over a large bowl of ice and water. Stir occasionally for 20 minutes. Should be the consistency of raw egg whites.

·         Beat 2 cups of whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold into cooled raspberry mixture.

·         Let set in fridge – they say gelatin needs 8 hours but 24 hours is better.

·         I used the unflavoured gelatin and it was lighter not so sweet. If you want sweeter use the Jello mix.

Our New Playhouse

I am not sure where the summer has gone.  It always goes by too quickly, but we sure have been enjoying it!
I have been looking for a good swing set/playhouse for quite some time, but I could not find something that I liked, and that would fit our space. I found some pictures on the Internet, and my husband drew up some plans. This is the final product of a lot of hard work. Definitely a labour of love. He has done an excellent job, and the girls love it!  Thanks honey.

Zucchini Carrot Muffins

I found this recipe on About.com . I made a few modifications and they turned out awesome!!

• 2/3 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce (instead of the oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (changed amount from original)
• 1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed (changed amount from original)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (instead of white flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup finely shredded unpeeled zucchini
• 1 cup finely shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup of raisins

Preparation:

Heat oven to 375°. In a mixing bowl, beat the oil with eggs, sugars, and vanilla extract.
Combine the flour, soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; add to the wet ingredients; stirring until blended. Fold in the shredded zucchini and carrots.
Fill greased muffin cups about 3/4 full; sprinkle. Bake for 20 minutes. Makes 12.

Grocery Shopping Sanity!

As of late, grocery shopping has become a bit of a chore. I have to make sure I am saddled with food, and toys before setting out in order to maintain my sanity.

Today I decided enough was enough, and I came up with an idea that worked miracles. First of all, I separated the two girls. The littlest is on top, and the oldest is in the bottom of the cart. Then I created a grocery list just for her. I copied pictures of items that we generally use every week into a word template. Then I created a check list on the side. I cut out the front page of a binder that has the plastic sleeve on the front. I stuck in the grocery list, and gave her one of her Crayola Dry Erase Crayons. It was awesome, and she had a ton of fun. She had to show everyone in the store! They were as good as angels, hooray!!

Link to Crayola Dry Erase Crayons

Dressing Practise Boards

My toddler loves to fasten things all by herself. So I decided to make some dressing practise boards. I wanted to do something quick and easy. I also wanted to recycle things from around the house.
I fully intend on doing more than two, but this was my first attempt. I have to say the first two took me around 3 hours of precious nap time!!

For the jean zipper and button, I used the zipper section, and part of a paint leg from some old painting jeans.

I first cut up the jeans, and used the leg as the covering for the board. I then cut out the zipper and used the applique stitch on my sewing machine.

The second board which is the snaps, was from an old baby sleeper that was ripped. I cut out the snaps and the back from the sleeper for the front, and sewed them together.


I learned a lot about myself in this project, between swearing and cursing.

1. I really don't like sewing - it is a means to an end.
2. I usually dive in, without thinking about what I need to do. Which in the long run takes a lot more time!
3. I don't read instructions
4. I am a danger to machinery - my poor sewing machine. I hope it will be okay.

I hope my daughter will enjoy these!!

Cool Colander Alien

I borrowed this idea from the Blog Home Learning From Birth. We started the project this morning using pipe cleaners and a colander. The object is to lace the pipe cleaners through the holes of the colander. When she was done, she told me it needed ears, eyes, and a mouth! I got out the craft stuff, and she just went with it. So this is now her new alien hat. She is excited to show daddy.

Singing on the Brain

I think it is instinctive that when a baby is tired, or sad, we sing to them. As they grow we use this wonderful technique less and less. I starting singing to the girls in the morning and at night from the time they were babies. Now it is a part of our routine. In the morning, we sing:

Good morning, good morning, good morning,

 It's time to rise and shine.
Good morning, good morning, good morning,
I hope you are feeling fine.
Come on, get up, get out of bed,
It's time to raise your sleepy head.
The day is calling out to you,
Hello, hello, hello!

Then at night my husband and I usually sing:

Lullaby, and good night.
Little "name of child" sleep tight.
Rest from your big busy day
And tomorrow we will play.
Close your eyes, rest you head.
Get tucked into bed.
Say your prayers, count some sheep,
And go softly to sleep.

For the baby, when she is sad I always sing Edelweiss.

Then I found once my daughter was a year and a half, she wanted to sing more and more. I also found singing a very useful tool to divert her attention, especially when she had to do something she did not want. For instance, when the weather was getting nasty, she started fighting me on our daily walks (we have a large dog who requires walks - so this was a non-negotiable). I started singing with her for the whole walk. Now it has become our routine, and she is learning a lot of songs!

At first I was embarrassed when my neighbours would stare, but I have found that singing makes everyone feel good. Only problem was, that I never remember the words. So I made up a song book for my daughter for Christmas. I found most of the words at either  Teacher's Guide  or Bus Songs . I included little pictures with the words so that when she flips through she can identify the songs.When we find a new song, we just add it to the binder. I have also given this as gifts, and it is always well received.

I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing. ~William James

Letter Decorations for Kid's Rooms

I made these for the girl's rooms, and then made an additional one for my cousin. They are very easy, and cute.

• I used Microsoft Word to print out the template for the letter.
• Then I cut it out and my husband traced it to pine, and cut it out.
• He sanded it and then it was primed and painted.

• You can also buy the letters from Walmart or Michaels. Michaels has a 50% off coupon right now.
• Then I used scrapbook paper and pasted it on one side, and decorated with embellished raised stickers and ribbon. This way, you can change out the stickers as the kids grow.
• You can sit them on a shelf, or attach them to the door with the 3M adhesive COMMAND strips.

Threading Beads

Bead threading is very good for dexterity and fine motor development. This project can be very  inexpensive if you save beads from broken necklaces,  or pilfer some beads from old costume jewellery that you do not use anymore.

I needed some larger beads for my daughter, so I bought just a package of wooden beads with the pre-drilled holes from Wal-mart. Then I used pipe cleaners, because they are easier to thread when the kids are younger.
The bracelet in the picture is one that my daughter made.

DIY Easter Wreath

Spring is in the air!!!!

Last week, I started looking around for Easter wreaths for my front door. Pottery Barn has a nice one,  but I don't want to spend $250.  Etsy also has some for about  $45 US plus shipping.  The only problem is that I have double doors at the front, which means double the cost! Needless to say,  I decided to make my own.

• The grapevine wreath base was $3.99 with 40% off at Michael's  Total cost approx = $5
• Egg stems from the dollar store were $1.25 each and I used 6 per wreath = $17
• Beaded stems were $1 each, and I used 3 per wreath = $7
• I also added some metal butterflies and flowers from the dollar store for about $2

Voila. A beautiful wreath for Easter and for only $15!

Cooking Apron

I made this little apron for one of my daughter's friends.
My daughter received something similar awhile back from
her great aunt, and she loves it. Now when I make dinner,
she stands on a chair and helps with her apron on.
It makes dinner prep so much easier!
She can stir, mix, add ingredients, and measure.
We have a lot of fun.

Good Girl Chart

I saw an idea online, where a lady created a potty chart using a cookie sheet. I found the cookie sheets too small, so I used a cork board and layered it with plumbing sheet metal using two sided tape (with help from my husband, of course!). Then I covered it with paper, and created the numbers one to twenty. My daughter loves princesses, so I purchased a princess castle and ballerina from Michael's. I made the ballerina magnetic so that she can move her to each step. My daughter helped me create the numbers, so she was involved in the process. For every successful potty trip, she moves one space closer to the castle. Every time she has an accident, she moves back a space. I decided to extend the use of this to apply to all good behaviours, so that she is rewarded for being a good girl. So far, she loves the chart, and if she makes it to the castle we are going to get her a special treat!

Valentine's Breakfast

For breakfast this morning I made heart shaped banana chocolate chip pancakes. They were a big hit, and the recipe was super easy. I garnished with heart shaped bananas. My daughter exclaimed "so cute" to the banana hearts. Banana Chocolate Chip Pancake Recipe

Valentine's Cookies

When I was growing up, my mom would bake us valentine sugar cookies every year. They were gigantic, and I remember it taking us a few days to get through our cookie. I wanted to continue the tradition with my own kids, but on a smaller scale. I made these for my daughter and her daycare buddies. The recipe is awesome - they are light and not too sugary. The icing is tinted with raspberries instead of food colouring and it provides a nice element with the flecks of raspberry - YUM!

Recipe: Joy of Cooking Roll Cookies ) Page 711
 All Recipes - Butter Icing For the frosting I also substituted vanilla for almond extract.

"Hoot Loves You?" Valentines

Tonight my daughter and I worked on our valentines to my husband. I asked her what she wanted to do, and she said OWLS! So we created a "Hoot Loves You - I DO!" Valentine. I cut out the shape of an owl and then let her decorate. I did mine, and she copied. I actually got caught up in the moment, and when I looked down, hers was almost done. She did such a good job for someone who is two. I asked her if I could help her, and she said "hold on mommy, I am busy". I burst out laughing. I must say that too much!

Anyway, I had a hoot making these valentines!

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

Ever since my daughter watched Cinderella, she has been pretending to be a princess. To pass the time on a snowy Sunday, we decided to make a princess wand. I used the following:

• One lollipop stick
• Spool of ribbon (can use different colours)
• One patch of felt
• Embroidery floss
• Beads
• Feathers
• Stuffing (I used organic raw cotton)
• Cookie cutter
• Hot glue gun

First I applied hot glue to the end of the lollipop stick and then wound the ribbon around the stick and hot glued the top, and cut the excess.


Then I traced the shape of the star using a disappearing marker and the cookie cutter on felt.  I cut both sides at the same time to keep the shape.


Using the embroidery floss in the same colour as the felt I stitched around the edges, leaving a one inch hole a the bottom.


I filled the star with the raw cotton.


I tied different colour ribbon around the top leaving the ends dangling. Then I threaded the beads through the ends and tied them off.


Once the top was complete, I filled the hole with hot glue and stuck the top end of the stick in, and held closed until the glue dried. I applied feathers around the base to hide any gaps or glue.


My daughter has not stopped playing with this! She is running around turning everyone into princesses! I even caught her galloping off to meet the prince.

Indoor Sandbox

According to this article at AhaParenting.com, I have not been doing a good job at nurturing my child's creativity. Of the nine suggestions they provide, I have done one. I am a bit of a neat freak, and I am not crazy about messes. I guess I am hindering my child's imagination.  So today we made an indoor sandbox. I used some coarse corn meal, a baking pan, and some sparkles. I also gave her a fork and spoon. She spent an entire HOUR playing with this. It was awesome. First she went looking for the shapes. This was good for practising her colours and shapes. Then she started drawing in the cornmeal.  I then gave her a squirt bottle full of water and some food colouring to make designs. As my anxiety grew over the mess, she continued to play. All in all it was a good time, and the mess was not too bad!

Sticker Magnets

My daughter loves stickers. The only problem is that I constantly hear, "they not sticky anymore mama!" She reuses them so many times that they end up in sticker heaven.  So today I took the ones that still had some sticky left, and attached them to the photo magnet paper that you can purchase at Michael's or the dollar store. This way we can draw different backgrounds on her white board and place the stickers on top. 

I found that it was better to apply the stickers to card stock first and then apply the sticky magnet backing. It was also better to apply the magnet to the whole sticker. I re-used old greeting cards for the card stock.

Bo Bo's Got a New Dress

Well it looks like we are finally through the worst of the virus. It has been a really rough five days. My fingers are crossed that the baby does not catch it.

My daughter who is two, is obsessed with Cinderella (what little girl isn't?) Since watching Cinderella she has been bugging me for a 'pretty blue' dress for Bo Bo. Bo Bo happens to be her bunny blanket (NuNu). Have you ever tried to find a dress for a blanket? I still cannot find a replacement Bo Bo, let alone a dress. So while my daughter was comatose I decided to make Bo Bo a blue dress. I had a few remnants of blue fabric from other sewing projects so I whipped this up, which made her happy. Bo Bo is now fit to be seen in respectable company. Hooray!

Gastro-Hog Day

Unlike Wiarton Willie, I was ready to crawl back into a hole yesterday, as Gastro stuck our household. We could not keep up with the effects of the virus as it was attacking my daughter's little body. Poor thing had no idea what was going on.  I have felt sick too. I have only seen sympathetic vomiting in the movies, but I have felt close to it for the past 30 hours. The hospital now provides a hand-out to help at home. I guess this is because the waiting room was full of Gastro! No food for 12 hours, and then only crakers etc. We did that, and still it persists....  

Yummy Pumpkin Muffins

These are the best muffins. I have included the original recipe, with my deviations. I typically double the recipe as the cans of pumpkin are 28oz and it works out well. It also uses up some of the buttermilk.

1 - 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 cup bran cereal
1/4 cup butter, melted ( I use applesauce instead)
112 cup (3-1/2 oz,) sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
1-1/4 cups (5 3/8 oz.) unbleached all-purpose flour ( I use 1 Cup Whole Wheat and 1/4 of Spelt Flour)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ginger (use fresh ginger)
1/4 tsp. cinnamon ( I use a lot more cinnamon)
1/2 tsp. allspice
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp, baking powder
1 cup (6 oz.) raisins

In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, bran cereal, butter, and sugars. Stir in the eggs

and buttermilk. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, spices, baking soda and
baking powder. Stir into the pumpkin mixture, then stir in the raisins. Cover the bowl and
refrigerate the batter for 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease or line the wells of a muffin pan with papers.

Scoop the batter into the pan, using a heaping 1/4 cup of batter for each. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes.

Adapted from a King Arthur Flour Test Kitchen Recipie

Crayon Remnants

So what do you do with all  of those crayon remnants? Make crayon cookies, of course! This was a lot easier than I thought, and my daughter got a kick out of them.

1) Preheat the oven to 300F
2) Make sure all of the "coats" are off the crayons
3) I used cupcake liners and the small muffin tray. The cupcake liners give the cookies ridges on the edge which produces a neat effect on the paper (but do make a bit of a mess). It also protects your muffin pan.
4) Let your little one divide the crayon bits in the tray.
5) Turn on the oven light to let your little one watch them melt
6) Let them cool and remove the wrapper.

Just to note- we used different brands, and some of the crayons were actually the soy crayons and it still worked well.